Syosset: Look Out for 'Gypsy Burglars'

Nassau Police are urging Syosset and other county residents to watch out for so-called “gypsy” burglars. Police say every year around this time--when warmer weather brings people out of their homes--these types of criminals go out on the prowl.  Investigators say one particular group may have hit three homes in Nassau County in the past several days.

Police describe this group as "organized transient criminals," or gypsies. Typically these criminals are Eastern Europeans whose crimes follow a pattern: They drive to a residential area in a car or van with out-of-state registration  and plates. Someone will approach a homeowner pretending to be a surveyor or contractor. Then, as they distract the homeowner, another suspect will enter the house to commit a burglary.

Nassau Police Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone says the criminals are “nomadic scam artists.” 

“[They] use a number of ruses," Repalone says. "They’ll say, ‘We’re working on your neighbor’s fence and we need to go in your backyard.'”

As the homeowner goes into the backyard with that person, Repalone says, “An accomplice will go in through the open door and burglarize the home, taking cash and jewelry.”

Nassau police say in order to protect yourself, you should be leery of unsolicited offers of help around the home; never leave doors or windows unlocked even when you’re home; set your burglar alarm every time you leave; and if you see something, say something. Repalone says if you notice something suspicious such as a work van in your neighborhood with out-of-state plates and people knocking on doors, you should call 911.

Repalone says so far, it appears one group has hit homes in Albertson, Roslyn Heights and Great Neck. Police have released a sketch of a suspect in the Albertson burglary.